October 1927 – October 2006

    We Exist To:  Exalt the Savior, Equip & Encourage the Saints, and

Evangelize the Sinner.   (4-E Purpose)

New El Bethel Baptist Church was organized in 1927 when a few faithful members determined in their conviction set forth on their Christian journey with the Lord.  The first meeting of the new congregation was held in a basement on Cliff and Ninth Street.  This faithful band of members determined in their efforts developed a plan and put that plan into execution.  The first Pastor of the new church body was Rev. Dixon. The New El Bethel members pressed forward until economic struggle began to affect their progress, forcing them to vacate the basement and move to a hall on Anthony Street. Rev Dixon was relieved of his duties on earth and called home to be with God.  

Rev. B. B. Neal was called as pastor.  There were several additions to the church.  Rev. and 
Sis. B. B. Neal pastured New El Bethel for eight years before Rev. Neal accepted a pastoral 
position in Sherman, Texas.  

Rev. Kilgore was called to pastor for a short period of time for he was called from his earthly 
tabernacle to be at rest with the Lord.  

In 1938, Rev. Haley James was called to Pastor for a short time for a larger congregation claimed 
his attention.

The struggles were very hard for this group, but with determined and made-up minds and God
on their side, they continued to press forward in the name of Jesus. 

Rev. M.C. Graves came to Pastor this small band of members.  Blessed things began to happen. 
he membership grew and there were many substantial gains.  Rev. Graves and this band of
believers were able to purchase a real church building on Sparks Street. Four years later New 
El Bethel was able to burn their church note.  Rev. Graves resigned as Pastor.  

After the departure of Rev. M. C. Graves Rev. R. L. Johnson became Pastor.  Very little is known 
about the church history during this period.

In 1948, Rev. B. B. Neal returned as Pastor.  Rev.  and  Sis. B.B. Neal worked diligently for the on 
going of God’s program and the New El Bethel Baptist Church.  The membership began to grow
by leaps and bounds, and the church revived spiritually.  There were great times at the little 
church.  God’s presence was felt in all meetings.  With God’s watchful eye, Rev. Neal and this 
spiritually fed band of Christians began to plan for a new building.  In the late fifties, property 
was purchased on Mouser Street for a new sanctuary.  In 1960, the New El Bethel Baptist Church
 moved into its new edifice, now located at 2023 Mouser Street.  This was a glorious day in the 
Lord.  The membership doubled at this time.   Rev. and  Sis. Neal pastured for 21 years before 
God called him home from his labors in February 1969.

In 1969, Rev. V. L. Warren was called to Pastor.   The membership continued to grow and the 
church continued to prosper under Rev. War.  In 1975, our church was struck by fire. By serving
a gracious God, all repairs were completed with additional needed renovations.  October 3rd, 
1976 was a glorious day at New El Bethel.   Again, God blessed us to have another note burning celebration.  God blessed us to purchase church transportation and a portable building for a 
Fellowship Hall and extended space.  In September 1995, property (818 Bonnie View Road) was purchased near our present site on Bonnie View Road while the Jeff Lot of which we held for 
many years was sold.  Church transportation has been purchased for the second time.  Again,
 our membership is planning to expand our present edifice.  We thank God for He is truly, “A 
Way Maker.”   God is allowing our church family to move forward in a mighty way.  In February
1998, a groundbreaking ceremony was held preparing for the addition of a new 
education/fellowship hall wing of which was completed August 9,  1998 property at 830 
Bonnie View Road became available of which we purchased for future expansions.  In 2002 
our church became a 501 C 3 entity and became incorporated with the State of Texas.  In June
 2002, a young professional basketball player, Bro Jeryl Sasser came forth and donated a sizable
 amount of money to our church, of which we paid our wing note in full in July, 2002.  To God 
we give the glory and a special thanks to Bro. Jeryl Sasser.

During this time our membership declined slightly but we trusted God’s never failing grace.  On December 12, 2005, Rev. V. L. Warren went home to be with the Lord.

November 13, 2004 Dr. Timothy James Brown, with a BA, Religion & Philosophy (Bishop 
College, 1986); Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) (Perkins School of Theology, SMU, 1988); 
M.Ed. (Stephen F. Austin State University, 1996); Doctor of Ministry (Evangelism) (Perkins School
of Theology, SMU, 2000 reported as the new illustrious pastor of New El Bethel Baptist Church.  
His first sermon as Pastor was entitled, “Pass the Salt,” his text was Matthew 5:13 that blessed our
hearts as it started a new era in New El Bethel’s history.  Pastor Brown has been a tremendous 
blessing to the church as he came to New El Bethel with a commitment to the spiritual growth
and edification of God’s people.  Through his leadership and guidance and through the grace
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we were able to purchase a beautiful new external sign for 
the church, add a computer lab, launch a Children’s Church Ministry, restructured the Youth 
Church by adding a Christian Youth Fellowship Ministry (CYF), develop a Fine Arts Ministry 
and enhanced all of our existing church ministries.  There were also noticeable cosmetic changes
in the sanctuary.  Our records reflect as many as sixty-two people coming unto God to 
re-dedicate their lives to Christ, by statement, by baptism and by watch care.  Pastor Brown
developed a vision statement for the church.  We are inspired to be an “ACTS 2 Church in 
doing so we are a:

      A Powerful Church                 A Preaching Church                      A Praying Church   
      A Praising Church                  A Paying Church                           A Church of Purpose

The year 2006 has been a prosperous year for the New El Bethel Family.  God’s blessings are continuously flowing throughout the church, neighborhood, city and country.   Through the 
guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Brown has led the New El Bethel family into the bliss favor 
of our God.  Our organizational structure has been redesigned to dynamically enhance God’s
presence in all of our worship services.  In fact, many new inspiring ministries such as the 
Roof-Top, Prison, Married Couples, Widows, Singles, Greeters, Journey, and Paul & Timothy 
have been established to aid and revitalize God’s people in our walk with God.  To God we
give the glory for all the many blessings that are experienced within this family of believers.

The NEB membership has grown to approximately 376 members. The new growth has our
walls bulging and the NEB congregation is contemplating expansion for the comfort of our 
members and to accommodate God’s blessed growth within our congregation of New El Bethel. 
This year we launched, “The Early Morning Experience” 8AM worship of which has been a 
blessing to all.

As another year’s service culminates, we celebrate our strong legacy, realizing that it is with 
the vision of our Pastor, the strength and dedication of our congregation that we will bear much
fruit and give to all mankind the leverage to succeed and experience the good life in Jesus Christ.

We praise and thank God for all blessings and accomplishments restored upon our church